Mental Health Awareness
Seattle Human Resources' "Seattle Sheds Light on Mental Health," is a citywide focus on well-being activities, programs, webinars, and resources to support employees.
With Seattle Sheds Light, we aim to:
- Normalize self-care and mental health care
- Reduce the stigma of mental illness
- Elevate employee and family mental health resources and benefits
- Offer education opportunities
- Talk about anxiety, trauma, depression, coping, resiliency, and growth
May 2024 - Mental Health Awareness Month
Each year in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, people gather together in a movement to raise awareness about mental health. The goal is to fight stigma, educate the public, provide support, and advocate for policies and resources. Below are some helpful materials from City partners and nonprofit organizations to support employees this year and spread awareness.
- Make Time for Your Mental Health and Wellness (Aetna)
- Self-Care Apps for Your Everyday Life (Kaiser)
Seattle Human Resources has also identified ways you might get involved and observe Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Listen – Join NAMI’s signature Sharing is Caring community programs and presentations
- Serve – Fundraising walks or volunteer opportunities
- Advocate – Share the cause on socials or get active with IDONTMIND or NAMI
Recorded Mental Health Webinars
Check out the City's series of recorded webinars in support of mental well-being on our Vimeo Account. Select from titles in the showcase to watch on demand. Below are the 5 most popular topics, and there are many to choose from!
- Handling Financial Stress
- Increasing Mental Toughness
- Stress Reduction Toolkit
- LGBTQIA+ and Mental Health - Every Mind Matters
- Fear and Anxiety: Moving Forward
New Employee Assistance Program - Coming Soon!
The City has selected ComPsych as the new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, effective July 1, 2024. We are excited to announce some expanded services and capabilities achieved in partnering with ComPsych.
Noteworthy enhancements include:
- Expanded eight (8) counseling sessions model
- Clinical intake model
- First call connection to a provider
- Online appointment scheduling
- Larger, more diverse provider network
- Unlimited one-on-one coaching
- Increased financial well-being support tools
- Digital Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools
As part of the transition from Resources for Living (RFL) EAP to ComPsych in the coming months, authorizations for counseling services may be impacted. Check here for details.
Medical Plan Mental Health Resources
Aetna
- NEW! Introducing Brightline for City of Seattle Aetna plan members starting 5/1/2024. Brightline's mental health experts match children and teens with virtual therapy, psychiatry, and coaching. Get connected to care for kids 18 months up to 18 years old with support for parents and caregivers, too. Visit hellobrightline.com/aetna to get started. Chat with an expert within minutes and schedule a video visit within days.
- Behavioral Health Televideo Services - virtual counseling covered as an in-network benefit, subject to copay. It makes finding a provider easier and more convenient.
- Aetna Mental Health Awareness Guide for Parents
Kaiser Permanente
Accolade Advocacy Services - Mental Health Support*
Health Assistants can be a helpful resource in finding in-network mental health care and connect you to an Accolade nurse. Call 1 (866) 540-5418 Monday through Friday, 5:00 am to 8:00 pm. Visit member.accolade.com or download the Accolade Mobile app to get connected to a Care Advocate.
- Member Experience Story - Alcohol Abuse
- Member Experience Story - Couples Counseling
- Member Experience Story - Depression and Anxiety
* Available for City employees on the Most benefits program
Community-Based Resources
Flyers and Fact Sheets
- Work and Your Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Health
- Dealing With Anger and Frustration Mental Health America
- Getting out of Thinking Traps Mental Health America
- Processing Big Changes Mental Health America
- My Mental Health: Do I Need Help? National Institute of Mental Health
Mental Health Organization Links
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- American Psychological Association
- Mental Health American
- National Alliance on Mental Health
- Mental Health Resources for LGBTQIA+
- Clinicians of Color - to find a clinician near you
- Asian Mental Health Collective
- BEAM - Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective
- Washington Treatment Centers or Rehabilitation for Substance Use Disorders
- Mental Health Coalition (Resources for BIPOC)
- ASHA International
- King County Community Support and Well-being